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Fair pin from 1997 for 700 euros! A collector sets record prices!
On November 4th, 2025, the annual pin swap meet took place in Soest, where collectors traded fairground pins, including a rare pin from 1997.
Fair pin from 1997 for 700 euros! A collector sets record prices!
Last weekend, right before the All Saints' Day fair, the annual pin swap meet in Soest attracted numerous collectors and enthusiasts. Not only are people exchanging and selling, but there is also a lively discussion about the latest trends in pin collecting. The event is a real magnet for anyone looking to complete their collections or simply share a passion for fair pins.
The focus of the event was a very special pin: the first fair pin from 1997, which was offered for sale for an impressive 700 euros. Frank Heidemann from Bielefeld, who has been passionately collecting pins for five years, has several copies of this pin. He bases his prices on the offers on the Internet, where a similar pin can be found on Ebay for 199 euros. If you're looking for a complete collection of pins from 1997 to 2025, you'll have to pay 1,500 euros. For many collectors, this is an exciting investment because fairground pins are very popular in Soest and are considered valuable collector's items.
Tradition of swapping
At the pin swap meet, many visitors also bring pins from the estates of deceased relatives to either sell or add to new collections. This shows how deep the connection to these small collectibles runs. As Yves Powroznik, another collector, notes, the price of 700 euros for the 1997 pin is incomprehensible. This shows the different perspectives among collectors and the individual value each attaches to the pins.
This year's edition of the pins costs 5 euros each for collectors and is very popular with visitors. The variety of pins available extends beyond the fair and also includes pins from other local events, such as the popular horse market. For many collectors it is not just a hobby, but also an opportunity to exchange ideas with like-minded people and perhaps even find one or two trading partners.
Online community and exchange
The passion for pin collecting has also found its place on the Internet. On the platform pinsammler.jimdofree.com Those interested can search for exchange partners, present their collections or browse for additional pins. The site has over 30 years of experience collecting promotional pins and has a dedicated section for trading pins that is continually updated.
The Facebook group Pin collector connects collectors from different regions, offers a place for exchange and discussion about new pins and exchange options. This creates a lively community that is enthusiastic about their passion and shares the fascination of the little pins.
The pin swap meet in Soest is more than just a place for business and exchanges - it is a meeting place for people who want to collect and experience something eternal together. If you haven't been there yet, you definitely shouldn't miss the next opportunity!